SBHE Member Kathy Neset Not Challenging Heitkamp in Senate Race

Geologist Kathy Neset, right, educates a group of teachers about the Bakken on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, near New Town, N.D. Amy Dalrymple/Forum News Service

According to a report in the Tioga Tribune, oil field consultant and State Board of Higher Education member Kathy Neset will not be running for the U.S. Senate this cycle.

Though she’s not ruling out a future run. “I hope the time comes again,” she told her hometown paper. “I’d love to serve in the Senate one day.”

“I hope the time comes again,” she told the paper. “I’d love to serve in the Senate one day.”

Neset had been in talks with NDGOP officials to make a run against vulnerable Democratic incumbent Heidi Heitkamp.

Currently only state Senator Tom Campbell is in the race for Republicans, though his candidacy hasn’t drawn a lot of enthusiasm. Fargo businesswoman Tammy Miller is still considering a potential run.

The Border States Electric CEO has also been recruited by NDGOP officials. I’ve heard some mixed rumors about the potential for her candidacy in recent days. I’ve been told by some that she’s currently vetting campaign managers and preparing for a run, though I also heard that Miller was still undecided as of about a week ago when she met privately with a past Republican statewide office holder to talk about her prospects.

Congressman Kevin Cramer is also considering a run for the Senate, and said recently that President Donald Trump has encouraged him to enter that race.

If Cramer enters the Senate race I think you can expect Campbell and any other Republicans who might run for federal office this cycle to switch their campaigns to focus on the House seat he’d be leaving behind.